The 6 Best Gifts for Cat Lovers in 2020

How do I keep my kitten entertained?

The first thing to keep in mind when hunting for cat toys is that not all cats have the same taste. That’s true when you’re picking out cat food and it’s true for cat toys as well. Different cats have different personalities and play habits, and will thus respond more positively to toys which reflect that.

You’ll also want to take a close look at the construction of the cat toy. The last thing you want is to spend money on toys which will fall apart in your cat’s mouth or be ripped to shreds after only a few play sessions. Not only is that a waste of money, but it can lead to your pet choking on fluff or tiny bits of plastic.

You should also consider what the toy looks like and how it moves. Anyone who’s ever watched a Tom and Jerry cartoon knows that cats love going after mice. You’d like your cat to be a bit more successful than poor Tom, but also want to give them the thrill of the chase. Cat toys which move across the floor at a quick but catchable pace can help your cat get some exercise and excitement as they chase down and catch them.

Size and shape matter as well. We all love Jerry, but mouse-shaped cat toys are still a definite favorite, as are fish and similar prey-shaped items. Like fish and mice, any cat toy should also be able to fit in your cat’s mouth so they can “catch their prey” without being so small as to make you worry about them accidentally swallowing it.

It’s pretty well known that cats love catnip. While too much can be a bad thing, when used in moderation, cat toys with catnip can be extra exciting for them.

Finally, remember to introduce a little variety into your cat toy rotation to keep your cat from becoming bored. Each of the cat toys on this list are different, giving you and your cat some much-needed variety.

Let’s take a look at some of the best toy choices available today for your feline friends.

What are the Best Cat Toys on the market today?

Potaroma 11″ Moving Cat Kicker Fish Toy

For the catch of the day – and maybe of this list – you’ll want to check out this animated fish from Potaroma. Not only does it look like a fish, but it moves like one as well. This fish has a built-in sensor which activates when your cat touches it, causing the fish to wiggle like its real-life counterpart. These movements intrigue cats, giving them the sensation of playing with a real fish. The fish is chargeable via a USB port – with a charger included – which allows you to charge it via your laptop or other device.

Even better, these fish remain motionless when your cat is not around. Not only does this prevent it from burning out its battery faster, but it also makes it a bit more lifelike and more “lively” when it responds to your cat’s touch.

One thing this motorized fish has which its real-life counterparts don’t is catnip. If your cat loves catnip, it will love this catnip-infused fish.

Your cat may love morsels of fishy goodness which melt in your mouth, but you hardly want your fish toy going to pieces. Thankfully, this fish is also a lot more durable than the real thing, being made from a durable cotton plush blend which is soft, safe, and non-toxic.

There are carp, salmon, and trout varieties available, so you can choose the type of fish you (and your cat) like best.

SmartyKat Catnip Cat Toys

Sometimes you can’t beat the elegance of pure simplicity – and affordability. It doesn’t get much simpler or more affordable than these inexpensive little furry catnip mice. With three to a pack and incredibly low prices, you can stock up on a bunch at once or pay as you go. 

Either way, there’s a lot to like about these little catnip lovelies. These mice are small, simple, and perfectly sized for most cat mouths. They aren’t so big as to be hard for them to bite down and carry them around, but aren’t so small as to be unsatisfying or leave you worrying that your cat could accidentally swallow them. Cats love to bat these mice around as well.

The catnip used in these cat toys is of high quality, produced without pesticides or chemicals, and the toys themselves are made from 100% recycled plastic, making them environmentally friendly as well.

Jiaron Feather Teaser Cat Toy

There’s nothing quite like watching a cat paw at and chase after a feather toy. It can be great for getting cats to run, jump, and get the exercise they need. This feathery option from Jiaron can be great for helping your cat get a bit of exercise while also allowing you the fun of leading them around the room or watching them adorably bat at the feather.

One of the best things about this feather toy in particular is that it is attached to the end of a retractable string and rod, allowing you to move it closer to and further from your cat with ease. This makes it that much easier to entice your cat to bat at it midair or chase it around the home. The wand is able to extend from 14.5 to 38 inches.

Of course, while you want the feather to be nice and soft, you don’t want it to come apart easily. Thankfully, this cat feather teaser toy is surprisingly durable. In any case, this pack comes with twelve feather teasers, all of which are non-toxic and eco-friendly.

YoFun Smart Interactive Cat Toy

Maybe your cat loves chasing after toy balls, but you get tired of tossing them for your cat to play with. Even if you never get tired of tossing the ball for your furry companion, you do have to go to work, and what’s your ball-chasing furry buddy to do then?

This interactive cat toy from YoFun solves that problem nicely. The ball is rechargeable, lasting for four hours on a single charge. It moves on its own, activating automatically. Simply push the button, place it on the ground, and let it activate and take off when your cat gets close. The ball also comes with an automatic shut off which activates after 40 minutes to preserve the battery.

All of this makes it a great cat toy for your feline friend to chase after and enjoy.

Our Pets Play-N-Squeak Mouse Hunter Cat Toy

No list of cat toys is complete without a huntable mouse, so to help your cat get their Tom and Jerry act on, you may want to consider this motorized mouse toy. While the little catnip mice above are elegant in their simplicity and nice in their own way, this mouse is far more elaborate and close enough to the real thing without making you want to jump up on the table or get it out of the house at all costs. On the contrary, there’s something incredibly charming about watching your cat chase after this little plush rodent and act oh-so-proud once they finally catch it.

One of the best reasons to invest in chaseable cat toys is that it lets cats act out their natural hunting urges without leading to unfortunate accidents with other pets or having them maul your furniture. This little plush mouse is a furry frenemy that your cat can chase after again and again, helping them relieve stress, get some much-needed exercise, and tap into their jungle cat instincts without having to turn your home into a jungle.

Of course, what’s a good cat and mouse chase without a few squeaks urging your cat on? This mouse features an electronic sound module that, when activated, causes the mouse to make a realistic squeaking sound. This can make it that much more fun for your cat to carefully stalk its prey and send it scurrying and squeaking across the floor before triumphantly capturing it.

And what could make that moment of triumph even better but the reward of catnip? This electronic mouse comes with a highly aromatic catnip which is released when the mouse is pinched – or caught in your cat’s mouth. The catnip is completely herbal, and combined with the other mouse-like features of this item can make this a great toy for pet owners looking to let their cat enjoy some indoor excitement.

Conclusion

Each of these cat toys offers something different for you and your BFF – Best Feline Friend – adding joy and variety to playtime for both of you.